The abbey is set at the top of a small peninsula, the Olgiasca, which – like a crooked finger – points into the lake, creating an inlet.

This was followed some centuries afterwards by a priory, with its monastery complex, part of the political-religious network which was led by Cluny and its reform movement.

The location, although away from the main town, was on a military route of critical importance in the wars of the times.

The cloister has an irregularly quadrangular plan, and has round arches supported by columns with different type capitals.

The northern wall of the portico has a fresco with a symbolic calendar, depicting the months and the different works associated to them.